A friend and I are planning to meet up sometime from May-August for a weekend of walking, drinking & eating in pubs and annoying each other with our absurd views on any topic that comes up. Last year for instance we met in Hay-on-Wye. Any recommendations for where to go this year? Should be roughly half way between north Wales and north London. We tend to prefer longish walks of 6 hours or so, but somewhere with several shorter walks would do.

I like Melbourne, relatives live there. It is several miles south west of Derby: long circular walks to the north (to Swarkstone causeway), south west (to Calke Abbey, Staunton Harold reservoir) and south (Breedon on the Hill). Rolling farmland and woods.2 of the village pubs sell locally brewed beers, lovely lake and manor house/church.